Tag: Houston Texans 2024

Is Sunday a revenge game for Texans RB Cam Akers vs. Vikings?

Houston Texans Cam Akers heads back to Minneapolis for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon.

With Joe Mixon’s status up in the air, the Houston Texans must look elsewhere for running back help.

The first name up? Former Minnesota Vikings starter Cam Akers was arguably Houston’s top tailback during the preseason.

And for those wondering why Dameon Pierce wouldn’t get a crack at RB1, he’s currently dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t been at practice for nearly a week.

Akers, who averaged 4.4 yards per attempt during the preseason, rushed for 32 yards on seven carries in last week’s win over the Bears after Mixon went out. He also lost a fumble at the goal line when Houston was driving toward icing the game in the fourth quarter.

During the open locker room session, Akers was asked about his thoughts on returning to Minnesota for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon. For him, there’s no reason to think of “revenge.”

“Obviously, I’ve got history there, but it’s just another game,” Akers told the Houston Chronicle.

Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s win, is listed as day-to-day. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t specify if Mixon would return to practice, but they’re not ruling him out heading into Thursday’s practice.

“We’ll take it day by day with Joe and his injury and see where he ends up at the end of the week,” Ryans said Wednesday. “Still holding out hope that he can make it.”

Akers, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, has a strong understanding of Bobby Slowik’s zone-base rushing attack. Last season after being traded to the Vikings, Akers rushed for 138 yards on 38 carries and scored a touchdown before being placed on the injured reserve on Nov. 5.

When asked if he was ready for an increased role should Mixon and Pierce not play, Akers said he was.

“I don’t have to get ready when you stay ready,” Akers told the Houston Chronicle.  “I’ve been preparing for this moment.”

Kickoff from US Bank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Where do the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 3?

Here’s where the Texans stand heading into Week 3’s road trip against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Houston Texans (2-0) look to continue their winning ways against undefeated opponents heading into Week 3’s road trip against the Minnesota Vikings. And even though there are questions surrounding Joe Mixon’s health, Houston proved to the nation it’s a threat to go deep into the AFC postseason.

The Texans are coming off a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears, thanks to a stellar defensive showcase. The Bears’ offense, headlined by No. 1 overall pick Caelb Williams, never found a rhythm due to a seven-sack outing from Houston’s front seven.

Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for three QB takedowns, while Derek Stingely Jr. and Kamari Lassiter each recorded their first interception of the regular season.

Offensively, C.J. Stroud continued his pinpoint-accurate fold with Nico Collins, connecting eight times for 135 yards and a touchdown. Houston must see a better outing from Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, however, if it plans on silencing a Brian Flores-led defense.

With Week 3 on deck, how did the Bears compare to the rest of the NFL last season? Looking at the major metrics (courtesy of Team Rankings, ESPN, The Football Database and StatMuse), here is where Houston ranked following Week 2:

Offense

Rank Stat
Points per game 11th 24.0 ppg
Passing offense 12th 219.5 ypg
Rushing offense 10th 144 ypg
Total offense 9th 363.5 ypg
3rd down conversions 15th 39.29%
Red zone scoring 3rd 80.00%
Sacks allowed 11th 7
Turnovers 22nd 1

Texans Wire Player of the Game: K Ka’imi Fairbairn

Ka’imi Fairbairn set an NFL record Sunday night on primetime television to help the Houston Texans secure a win over the Chicago Bears.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans credited Nico Collins for finding his way into the end zone for a 28-yard score.

He gave props to the defense for forcing two turnovers and totaling seven sacks against Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

But the Texans secured a 19-13 victory Sunday night in their home opener because Ka’imi Fairbairn can’t miss.

No, literally, it feels like a challenge to see him not connect for an easy three points wherever he lines up on the field.

He’s been perfect to begin the season and is well on his way to shattering records this fall.

“Ka’imi is the reason why we’ve won these two games,” Ryans said postgame late Sunday evening. “That’s the player of the game.”

Ryans isn’t wrong. Fairbairn’s consistency has kept Houston (2-0) ahead in wins over the Colts and Bears in back-to-back weeks.

It’s also a record. With Fairbairn’s 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, he’s now the first kicker in NFL history with six 50-plus-yard field goals within a two-game span.

Fairbairn, who drilled three field goals in Week 1’s win over the Colts, started the night with a 56-yard blast to give Houston a 3-0 lead. He extended the Texans’ lead before halftime with a booming 59-yard kick that had the crowd at NRG Stadium erupting into the night and keeping pace.

“He’s been consistent, he’s been on it and he’s the reason why we’re standing here,” Ryans said. “The kicking game is the reason why we won this game today.”

Fairbairn was a top priority signing this offseason after Houston secured its first division title in four years. The Texans believed his best years were still ahead, so they inked him to a new three-year, $15.9 million contract extension.

Like quarterbacks, finding a consistent kicker can be challenging. Oftentimes, speical teams won’t be an essential part of a team’s game plan, leading to a carousel of placekickers and punters coming in each offseason while leaving the following winter.

For Fairbarin, who enters his ninth season with the Texans, the title of “Mr. Clutch” has reached new levels in 2024. His shortest kick so far has been from 47 yards out, which probably should be considered automatic.

Last week, running back Joe Mixon took home Texans Wire’s Player of the Game en route to winning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Fairbairn’s clutch factor earned him the Texans Wire’s top honor.

Will he follow in Mixon’s footsteps at the national level?

Texans vs. Bears: OL Juice Scruggs out for Sunday Night Football

Juice Scruggs will not play on Sunday night for the Texans.

The Houston Texans will be without one key offensive lineman heading into Sunday’s home opener.

Second-year offensive lineman Juice Scruggs is out against the Chicago Bears with a groin injury, according to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. Second-year offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson will start in his place.

Scruggs, a second-round pick out of Penn State, was limited in practice on Thursday and did not partake in walkthroughs Friday afternoon. The injury isn’t expected to be long-term, though the Texans need consistency in their trench play.

Patterson, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, started seven games at left guard before ending up on the season-ending injured reserve. He started at center for three seasons with the Irish and one year at guard.

Running back Dameon Pierce is regarded as a question mark for Sunday’s game and may not play due to a hamstring injury. If he can’t go, Cam Akers, the preseason standout in the backfield would step in as the primary backup to Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

Texans receive positive update surrounding Dalton Schultz’s status for Sunday Night Football

Tight end Dalton Schultz is back for the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.

Dalton Schultz is trending in the right direction for the Houston Texans heading into Sunday Night Football.

The veteran tight end returned to practice for the first time all week after dealing with an ankle injury following a 29-27 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Since he wasn’t listed on the injury report, he’s expected to play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Schultz caught three passes for 16 yards at Lucas Oil Stadium and picked up two first downs.

Schultz’s return could be massive for the Texans across the middle against Chicago’s linebacking corps. He’s Hosuton’s most consistent tight end in space and was a security blanket for C.J. Stroud during his rookie season.

The former Dallas Cowboys star had 59 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season. Houston rewarded him this offseason with a three-year extension.

While Schultz returned to practice, Juice Scruggs and Dameon Pierce went from limited to out. Scruggs, a 2023 second-round pick out of Penn State, is dealing with a groin injury, while Peirce is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Houston still feels confident in its backups should Pierce and Scruggs miss Sunday’s kickoff against the NFC North franchise. Running back Cam Akers, who was inactive last week on the road, was the preseason star. He totaled 112 yards on 24 attempts and a touchdown.

Jarrett Patterson started seven games last season at center and left guard before suffering a season-ending leg injury. He’s battled Scruggs for first-team reps but mostly has played with the backups in practice.

The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Texans vs. Bears, Week 2 injury report: Friday

For the first time all week, the Houston Texans receive good news surrounding Dalton Schultz’s status.

For the first time all week, there was positive news surrounding Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz.

Schultz, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, returned to practice as a full participant Friday during walk-throughs inside NRG Stadium. Barring a last-second change, he’s expected to play in Sunday’s home opener against the Chicago Bears on NBC.

Schultz caught three passes for 16 yards in Week 1’s 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) returned to practice in full form after being limited on Thursday. Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (groin) move from limited to out.

Both players are listed as questionable entering Sunday night’s outing. If Scruggs can’t go, Jarrett Patterson would likely start at center. Cam Akers, who was a healthy scratch last week on the road, would be the favorite to replace Pierce as RB No. 2.

Defensive back M.J. Stewart (knee) also did not practice and has been ruled out for a second consecutive game.

For Chicago, receiver Rome Odunze (MCL) returned to practice in a limited fashion. Drafted ninth overall out of Washington, Oduzne suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently day-to-day.

D.J. Moore was one of three receivers who practiced without issue, joining second-year target Tyler Scott and returner DeAndre Carter. Like John Metchie III, Scott was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s home opener. Carter, who previously played in Houston, played 13 total offensive snaps in place of Odunze.

Keenan Allen (heel) didn’t practice for a third day and is listed as questionable. The former Pro Bowl target reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Titans suffered in the offseason.

Offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) did not practice and have been ruled out.

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
WR Keenan Allen heel DNP DNP DNP Questionable
OL Kiran Amegadjie quad LP LP FP —
OL Ryan Bates shoulder/elbow LP DNP DNP Out
FB Khari Blasingame hand/knee LP DNP DNP Out
TE Marcedes Lewis veteran rest day — DNP — —
WR Rome Odunze knee DNP DNP LP Questionable
DL Zacch Pickens groin LP FP FP —
DL DeMarcus Walker foot DNP LP FP Questionable

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Houston Texans

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
WR Nico Collins illness — LP FP —
RB Dameon Pierce hamstring — LP DNP Questionable
TE Dalton Schultz ankle DNP DNP FP —
OL Juice Scruggs groin — LP DNP Questionable
S M.J. Stewart knee DNP DNP DNP Out

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Who wins Week 2 game between Texans and Bears?

Who wins Sunday night when the Houston Texans take on the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium?

The Houston Texans will battle the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football as the primetime game of the week.

These two potential contenders met earlier in the preseason as part of the Hall of Fame game. Starters didn’t play, so Sunday night on NBC will mark the first time C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams do battle in their careers. 

Both were Heisman finalists when Williams won the award at USC in 2022. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year last fall after guiding Houston to its first postseason berth in four years, said Willaims is a playmaker who excels at extending plays and “making all the cool throws.”

“You don’t gotta be a superhero, you don’t gotta try to make all the plays,” Stroud said. “Sometimes the boring plays are good.”

Houston is fresh off a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts thanks to newcomers setting the tone. Stefon Diggs caught two touchdown passes and finished with six receptions.

Joe Mixon, who won AFC Offensive Player of the Week, rushed for a league-leading 159 yards on 30 carries and a scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Chicago is coming off a 24-17 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans (0-1), where defense and special teams rose to the occasion as rookie Caleb Williams and the offense struggled. After trailing 17-0, the Bears scored 24 unanswered points, notching three takeaways and scoring defensive and special teams touchdowns en route to the miraculous win.

The Texans are a 6.5-point home favorite against the Bears, per BetMGM. It’s not surprising considering that Williams struggled on his debut and benefitted for stellar defensive play. 

Will Houston set a standard in the home opener? Will the Bears become the team people must talk about heading into Week 3? 

Who wins on Sunday?

VOTE!

Texans place CB Jeff Okudah on injured reserve

Jeff Okudah will miss at least the next four weeks for the Houston Texans after leaving Sunday’s game with an injury.

The Houston Texans’ cornerback depth took a hit Wedensday morning before the first week of practice.

Houston is placing veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah on the injured reserve list, according to multiple reports. The former No. 3 overall pick of the 2020 left during the third quarter of Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts with a shoulder injury and did not return.

In a corresponding move, the Texans have signed linebacker/defensive end Rashad Weaver to the active 53-man roster.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1833880046609584266

Weaver, an edge rusher who previously played for the Tennessee Titans, has totaled 5.5 sacks since being drafted out of Pitt in 2021. The Texans also signed cornerback Troy Pride and defensive back Desmond King to the practice squad.

Houston elected to release former TCU safety Mark Perry to make room for King.

Initially, it had been reported that King would sign on Tuesday, though he tweeted after the news that he had not signed because he wanted a bigger role on defense. With the practice squad, he can be elevated three times before having to either be signed to the active roster or sidelined for the remainder of the year.

“I don’t want to be used as a reserve,” King posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “My value as a player has been in the top of my position for years. It’s time I deserve some respect. I show up every time the opportunity presents itself.”

https://twitter.com/ApolloTexans/status/1833909626942943629

The tweet was later deleted before King signed.

King has been a stable nickel corner and return man for Houston over his three seasons. After being cut last year by both the Texans and Steelers, he returned to the practice squad but quickly was raised to the active roster.

Perhaps the same thing happens next week after the Chicago Bears come to town.

Texans add DB Desmond King to practice squad

Desmond King is back with the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans are bringing back a familiar face.

According to KPRC2 Sports, the Texans are signing veteran corner and former All-Pro selection Desmond King to their practice squad. The veteran defensive back and return man was released during roster cuts in August and cleared waivers earlier this month.

https://twitter.com/DDelgattoNFL/status/1833514036723654890

After re-joining the Texans last year, King totaled 47 tackles, one sack and two pass deflections in seven games for the AFC South champions, He signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract this offseason.

Back in Houston, this marks the fourth season for the 29-year-old defender with the Texans. He joined in 2021 for the start of the rebuild and has been a staple on special teams.

For his career, King has recorded 473 career tackles, nine interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, 35 passes defensed and 9 1/2 sacks with 2,413 return yards and five total touchdowns.

The franchise has not made a corresponding move as of this time.

Texans Wire Week 1 Player of the Game: RB Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon’s 159-yard performance set a tone for the Houston Texans in Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Joe Mixon must continue his success behind the Houston Texans’ offensive line, but he looks like he’s worth every penny of his three-year, $27 million extension.

Mixon, who joined the Texans after being cut and later traded from the Cincinnati Bengals, was the backbone of Houston’s offense in a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Running backs are often the afterthought in today’s game due to their lifespan as potent runners.

Sunday looked like Mixon was only heating up entering Year 8 in the pros.

“When you can run the ball, it opens everything up,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said postgame. “When it comes to the passing game, guys start to — they’ve got to put eight in the box. So now you have a lot of single coverage on the outside, and that’s where Nico (Collins), Tank (Dell), (Stefon) Diggs, they can make their plays.”

In two games against the Colts last season, Houston rushed for 112 yards on 54 attempts. In his first appearance as the Texans’ lead back, Mixon rushed for 159 yards on 30 carries against the Colts on Sunday.

He also had a rushing touchdown and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

“He was huge,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said of Mixon’s day. “When you can impose your will running the ball, you can open up a whole multitude type of plays for Bobby (Slowik) to call. Honestly, we just kept going to it, and I think it was working.”

It wasn’t just the production. It was the workload. Mixon totaled only 75 percent of the Texans’ rushing totals. His 5.3 average would have been a season-high last year compared to Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary’s underwhelming stat line.

When the Texans needed a play, Mixon delivered. Of his 159 yards, 102 came in the second half. Of Houston’s 11 first down runs, nine came from No. 28.

While Indianapolis won battles with explosive plays through the air, Houston won the war with an emphasis on controlling the tempo. Houston’s offense had the ball for 40 minutes, including 24 minutes in the second half.

Late in the fourth quarter, Richardson scored a touchdown and Houston needed to play keepaway. On the final drive, Mixon ran it five times, all for positive gains.

His last run — a 9-yard scamper — iced the game with under a minute.

For those reasons, the 2021 Pro Bowl runner is Texans Wire’s Week 1 Player of the Game.